New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin clued in the media Wednesday on the message he will deliver to his team when they begin camp Friday in defense of their Super Bowl championship.
"The reason we won (last year) was because of ‘team,’" the coach said. "Team over self is why we won. The unselfishness that was demonstrated throughout the year, the believing in one another, the supporting of one another, the idea that so many people contributed. One of the things that I was most proud of is we were not a team that ever really looked back. We constantly looked forward, and that was in the good times and the bad. And I think that that attitude will permeate the position we find ourselves in this year."
That's a big part of the reason why a certain tight end who couldn't get with the program is now a member of the New Orleans Saints. I hope Coughlin is right that the Giants will be able to maintain that attitude. It will be one of the things to watch for as the season unfolds.
Here is the full audio clip of Coughlin's press conference. Giants assistant coaches also met with the media Wednesday, and you can find audio clips of their press conferences here. If you want to read the transcripts of all the press conferences, do that here.
There were a couple of good pieces of information in Ralph Vacchiano's opening day notes. Among them:
- David Tyree is likely headed to the Physically Unable to Perform List. If that is the case, it seems Tyree would likely miss roughly the first half of the season -- if I understand Vacchiano's PUP explanation correctly.
- Coughlin seems very excited about the recent signed of offensive tackle Shane Olivea, saying "he is in outstanding shape, and he is very hungry, very anxious to play. I think there’s some pride involved."
Asked about the starting safeties, secondary coach Dave Merritt said "I have absolutely no idea."
Provided they all stay healthy, the competition between Sammy Knight, James Butler, Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips should be a highlight of camp.